Compression socks, that is! I haven’t ever tried to cram my {ahem} substantial thighs into compression tights.
Anyways, for today’s Tuesdays on the Run topic, April, Patty, and I chose “summer clothing”. Since I’ve waxed poetic about my skirts before and I don’t really wear anything special for clothing in the summer (seriously, Champion shirt and random tank tops with a Happy Girl skirt or a random pair of shorts), I thought today I’d talk about my compression socks. Don’t forget to link up YOUR running related post!
Yes, I do have that many pairs!
I got my first pair of compression socks to help me with recovery after my second marathon. Before that, I MacGyvered my own pair of socks for warmth (and I’m really going to feel old if you don’t get that reference LOL). While I occasionally wore a pair for a race, mostly for appearance, I didn’t start racing in them until I blew out my calf while training for my first set of 5 half marathons in 5 days. Since then, I’ve run every race and any run over 6 miles in them.
Why? Well, compression assists with greater blood flow, which aids in preventing fatigue and helps with recovery. But I’ll be honest, I wear them for one reason: my left calf. Every since I hurt my calf about a year and a half ago, I’ve worn compression whenever I am running long or running fast. It gives my calf that bit of extra support it needs to stay happy. I do try to run some runs without as my chiropractor said it’s good to let my calf work on it’s own some (he gave me real reasons, I don’t remember the science behind them.)
I mostly have PRO Compression socks, but I do have a number of other brands. I have CEP, Recovery Socks, Tommie Copper socks, and Crazy compression socks, as well as Zensah sleeves and Tommie Copper sleeves. I tend to run more in socks than sleeves because I find the ankle support helpful, but lots of people like the sleeves so that they can choose their own socks. I honestly have not seen a big difference in performance of any of the brands. They all stay up well, they’ve all held up well in the wash (I never put them in the dryer), and my calves are happy in them. PRO Compression always seems to have a code running around for 40% off, so they are usually the best buy, but sometimes you can get the other brands on sale as well.
In addition to the actual benefits of compression socks, I’ve also grown to like the look of running skirts and long socks, even if one of my friends does refer to it as my naughty school girl look.
Have you run in compression socks? If you want to try, I currently have a giveaway going on for a pair of Tommie Copper sleeves or socks!
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I wear my compression calf sleeves for any run over 5 miles! After my first 10-miler, I decided to give them a try because my legs were killing me during that race. Now I rarely have leg pain on long runs!
I wear compression socks on any run over 5 miles and at all my races. I love them. I don’t know if they work or it’s psychological but my legs are never tired when I wear them. I wear many brands but mostly Procompressions – love all the colors.
I LOVE COMPRESSION SOCKS! And sleeves. Once I started running in them, I could never go back. I feel like they have made such a huge difference for me. My collection is not nearly as impressive as yours is though!
I don’t usually wear compression sleeves or socks during my runs. I usually wear them afterwards. However, this year at the Disney 10k and PHM I did wear my Pro-Compression sleeves! I just wore my socks yesterday on a training run because my foot was cramping up the night before and thought maybe wearing the socks on my run would help. I’m not sure if it was the socks or if it just went away on its own. You have quite a colletion there! Thanks for hosting the link up. Good topic!
I love all the socks! I bought my first pair of PROcompression socks and I’ve only worn them once…but they are awesome! I think I should try to wear them more since I’m starting half marathon training!
Wow, I love the collection you have! I’ve worn compression socks after a long run and I love them for recovery. I did wear them in one 5k as well and they felt pretty good. I just haven’t worn them for a run once the weather started getting really hot.
i like compression socks but i LOVE compression sleeves. most of the socks don’t give my feet enough support on longer runs, but sleeves solve that problem 🙂
I wear compression socks or sleeves everyday. I have even been seen out with compression sleeves and sandals. I’m trying to start a trend. Lol.
Ha! After the Blue Ridge half marathon, my calves hurt so badly that I had to wear my compression sleeves. It was a lovely look – shorts, black compression sleeves, and sandals…
I totally got the MacGyver reference because I am that old. But he was over here last week for Comicon and it we’re talking about old – well let’s just say that age has wearied him.
Being old is ok. ;o) So sad that all my childhood heros are starting to look like old men…
I really like compression socks. My favorite brands are the thinner ones, like procompression and bondiband compression. They help with my calf fatigue and help support my arches too. And I think they are super cute with running skirts too!
I haven’t tried the bondiband ones yet. I may have to get myself a pair. I like the socks over the sleeves because I like the extra support on my ankles and arches.
Compression socks are on my list (right behind Sparkle Skirts and a fuel belt) of ‘running gear I must have…’ Yes, I suspect that list will keep growing. LOL
Love love love compression. They make a huge difference with my calves.
Oooh what a collection of compression socks! I have pro compression, and saw they released a new lavender color.
Ooh, lavender! Guess I need a new pair LOL.
I love compressions socks too but only if they are super tight. Sometimes in the summer they got hot though huh?
I like them tight when I’m running, but a little looser is good when I’m sleeping in them.
LOVE MY ZENSAH!!!
I must be one of those rare people who still hasn’t tried compression socks! It seems like a lot of people really love them…knock on wood I’ve never had to deal with any injuries during my years as a runner but it might be something good to try sometime. I TOTALLY get your MacGyver reference…I had a total crush on him when I was in middle school! 🙂
Even before injury, I loved them for recovery. I never get down time after a run, so I need all the help I can get.